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Pokémon Go: a parent's guide
Tips and advice for keeping children safe on Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go is a game where you collect and trade cute creatures called Pokémon (Pocket Monsters).

It's one of the first popular games to use "augmented reality" - a kind of cross between real life and an online world. The game makes it look like Pokémon appear in real life places by using the GPS and camera on your phone.

It's already become a craze in Australia and America, and has made it's way into the news across the world.

Here, we'll take you through what you need to know about the game and how you can help keep children using the app safe.

Pokémon Go explained

Pokémon

Pokémon (Pocket Monsters) are little creatures that can be captured by Pokémon Trainers using a small spherical device called a Poké Ball. There are different types of Pokémon, with different moves, abilities and stats. The aim of the game is to capture as many Pokémon and to win as many 'gyms' as you can to become the Pokémon Master.

Pokémon Gyms

Pokémon Gyms are buildings located throughout the world where Pokémon Trainers can train and compete. Pokémon Gyms are usually located in public meeting spots, like parks or churches and memorials. This is done using a Google-style in-game map that shows you where the Pokémon and locations are in your real life location.

Pokémon Raids

Raids are battles where up to 20 Pokémon Trainers work together to defeat powerful Pokémon called Raid Bosses and win rewards. Players can search for Raids happening in their nearby area but require a pass to take part. Pokémon Trainers can get 1 pass per day by visiting a Pokémon Gym and must pay 79p per pass to purchase more.

Poké Ball

The Poké Ball is a spherical device used to capture Pokémon.

The Poké Ball is thrown at Pokémon and when it hits them, the Pokémon are sucked inside.

Pokédex

Pokédex is an electronic device which stores the data of Pokémon once they're captured.

The Pokémon Trainer must attempt to fill the Pokédex by capturing the different types of Pokémon.

The risks

There are loads of good things about the game, and there's a reason it's become so popular. But it's important to learn the risks involved:

Meeting people they don't know face-to-faceThe game is designed to bring people together. Usually strangers. This is especially true for Raids where they can play in a team with large groups of people. So you never know who they might meet.

There's a physical riskIt's easy to forget to look where you're going with this game, but they need to be careful of where they end up. There are already stories of people being lured to places that aren't safe for children.

It can cost a lot of moneyThere are in-app purchases and other incentives which can cost up to £79.99 (14,500 Pokécoins). Make sure the app's set up without payment options.

Access to personal dataPokémon Go asks for personal information like your child's birth date and email address, which they're asked to enter or receive through social media accounts. Parents have the right to contact the creators to stop them from using their personal information.

In order to sign up, your child has to enter their date of birth and their email address.

However, parents can request that these details are kept safe. Details on how to do this are on their privacy policy.

Download our NetAware app

NetAware is our simple guide for parents to the most popular social networks, apps and games that children use.

You can easily find age ratings, parent and child reviews and how likely it is that a child could find inappropriate content.

Download the app today, so you'll always have help keeping children safe online wherever you go.

For Android devices

Untangle the web using the NetAware app for Android phones.

For Apple devices

Stay on top of the latest apps and sites children use by downloading NetAware for iOS devices.

Minecraft: a parent’s guide

Minecraft is one of the most popular games, but it's not always easy to know how to keep children safe while they play the game. We can help you know the risks of Minecraft so you can keep children safe.

Share Aware

O2 NSPCC online safety helpline

We’re here to give you tailored advice about keeping children safe online. So if you need support setting up parental controls or understanding social networks, give us a call. You’ll soon know your clouds from your memes and your griefers from your creepers.
Give us a call on 0808 800 5002.